Our mission is to glorify God by developing and operating sports programs based on biblical principles where young people can learn Christian values by participating in a healthy, competitive sports environment.

In order to assist my child in his/her sports experience, I / we agree to the following:

I realize that ACYS players are not accomplished athletes. Therefore, I will support my child unconditionally regardless of how well he/she does on the sports field.

I will encourage my child to do his/her very best at all times, whether at practice or in a game.

I will support the coach & asst. coach in all their efforts to teach skills, teamwork, and good sportsmanship to the players.

I will root for my child's team, and at the same time I will applaud the efforts of all the players in the game. I will NEVER criticize another player.

I realize that who wins and who loses ACYS games is of little consequence. I will not place pressure on my child to win.

I know that ACYS Sports is for kids. I will not try to live or relive my own athletic experiences and /or dreams through my children.

I will not embarrass myself and/or my child by criticizing or yelling at officials, coaches, or other parents.

I realize that my child's Sports league is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. I will support my league officials, and lend a hand with the many tasks required for the smooth administration of my local league.

I will share the FUN OF ACYS Sports with my child.

PARENT GUIDELINES

The Ten Commandments of Sporting Events

All of our programs are designed and intended to instill good sportsmanship into every facet of ACYS for players, coaches, parents and fans alike. Everyone has their role in creating this healthy environment. We ask all parents to help our effort and benefit their own child by following the ACYS sports commandments. Thank you for your support!

Talk about the other kids on the team – indeed, on both teams – in the same manner you would want other parents to talk about your child. This is the golden rule applied to sports. Watching kids’ sports tends to be a social affair. When you’re making conversation on the sideline with your friends and neighbors, think about what you’re saying before you actually say it. To always be on the safe side, only voice praise for the other children.

It’s nice to give the coach a pat on the back when he or she wins. It’s even nicer when you give the coach a pat on the back after a loss. Remember that the vast majority of coaches are volunteers who are sacrificing their own time to help kids. So give them a well-deserved salute, especially when their team hasn’t fared well that day.

Don’t hesitate to give the ref, umpire or official a pat on the back, either. As you might have guessed, refs are people, too. They like when parents and fans acknowledge their on-field efforts as well. Why don’t you lead the way?

Remind your child that it’s the effort that counts. We know all the kids want to win. That’s a given. But we also know that for every winning team, there’s also a loser. Be prepared to cushion your child’s disappointment after a loss by pointing out that he or she played hard and put forth a tremendous effort.

Avoid the P.G.A., the Post Game Analysis. When the game is over and your child climbs back into your car, avoid, at all cost, the detailed, excruciating post game analysis of everything she did right and wrong. Just let her chill out, savor the fun of having played, and relax. The absolute worst time for “friendly criticism” is immediately after the game.

Smile A lot. Kids’ sports are about having fun, and because kids take their behavioral cues from you, try at least to look like you’re enjoying yourself.

If you aren’t a “good sport” at games, the kids won’t be either. This should be self-evident. If you have set a pattern of being a sideline loudmouth who likes to yell and scream at the ref, coach, or opposing team, don’t be surprised when your kids start copying your behavior. You will have only yourself to blame.

Take the time to learn the rules of the game. A lot of kids these days are playing sports you may not be familiar with. So, if you don’’ know the rules of the game, why don’t you and your child learn them together? Besides, it’’ a good idea to read the rule book. It might just help decide a dispute.

If you must make noise at the games, shout only praise and encouragement. If you’re a screamer and yeller, make certain that when you open your mouth, you’re only pouring-forth cheerful encouragement for your child’s team. There’s never any place for derogatory, snide, or sarcastic comments at kids’ games.

Above all, be there for your children. Support them, praise them and let them know you can always be counted on for unconditional love, regardless of the final score.

Mandatory Coach Meetings-ACYS may require the participation of coaches to attend ACYS related meetings. These meetings are integral to the success of ACYS. Coaches unable to attend these meetings may be required to watch a video of the meeting or listen to an audio tape/cd in order to participate as a coach.

Game Conduct
All ACYS & GCF League Games will be conducted within the current FYSA rules, FIFA laws of the game and decisions of the international Board in effect prior to the ACYS annual meeting with exceptions as noted below:

ACYS responsibility
Our goal is to encourage young people to be the very best they can be for the Glory of God. ACYS will do its best to provide a safe place for children to play sports, guidance and training for volunteers, and will maintain an atmosphere of excellence and integrity.

Duties and responsibilities of coaches, officials, spectators, parents and other volunteers
· To conduct themselves in a “Christ like manner” at all times while on, near or off the playing field.
· To prepare, train and coach their team to the best of their ability.
· To encourage clean fair competition and good sportsmanship at all times.
· To uphold the rules and regulations of ACYS, FYSA and FIFA as they apply.
· To participate in positive coaching that builds-up and encourages players.

Coaching Requirements

Coaches must read and sign ACYS Covenant and Statement of faith. See seperate tab for Coach covenant.

Coaching from the sideline is restricted to coaches on the player side of the field/court only. Sideline coaching should be minimal and limited to two coaches from each team operating behind the sidelines and between the two penalty areas. For Basketball only one coach is permitted to stand during play. For soccer, each coach on the sideline during a match must have an official FYSA coaching pass or be listed on the ACYS roster.

Coaches Cautioned or Ejected from field Coaches cautioned and/or ejected from a game or sports complex will receive a minimum one game suspension and be reviewed by a disciplinary committee. Based on the severity of the infraction a longer suspension or dismissal could be recommended by the committee. Only by a majority vote of the ACYS executive board can a coach be removed from his position.

ANY substantiated criminal act against a child is grounds for immediate dismissal and/or disqualification as a coach Each coach must complete an FYSA coach’s registration prior form to league play. As a condition of the completed form each coach must provide a social security number for the purpose of a FDLE background check.